Today, 1 February 2024, the Holy Father Francis received in audience in the Vatican Apostolic Palace the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Principe, His Excellency Patrice Émery Trovoada, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of His Holiness, accompanied by the Reverend Msgr. Mirosław Wachowski, under-Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, the good relations between the Holy See and the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Principe were highlighted, and some aspects of the political and socio-economic situation of the country were noted, especially collaboration in the fields of education and healthcare.

This was followed by an exchange of opinions on international current affairs, with particular reference to security problems in the countries of the African Continent.